In the big scheme of things, we have a small and limited time to experience this thing called Life. Our time on earth is only a speck when measured against recorded history. We do not know where we came from, why we are here and where we go on the next leg of our journey. By the time we get wise enough to realize how precious time really is; we are on the downhill side of life. Our precious time is more valuable than gold or diamonds.

When it comes to utilizing and appreciating time, we fall into one of three categories. There are those who are shy, inhibited, and afraid. They hide from life, seclude themselves as much as possible and try to avoid its challenges and confrontations. They are fearful and ill prepared to experience and learn from their trials and tribulations. We might consider them victims. There are those who are not really hiding, not necessarily looking and not trying to extract the most from their lives. When life comes their way, they embrace; experience and passively learn whatever it teaches them. These we might consider passengers; they take it or leave it. Then there are those who are the adventurers, explorers and captains of their own ships. They do not hold back and wait for life to come to them; they take the bull by the horns and want to live every moment to the fullest. They are dynamic and proactive. Their time is absolutely precious. We fall into one of these categories.

When we die, we will not get to take anything physical or material with us. Signs of wealth or prosperity, things, gadgets; all our toys, crutches and security blankets must be left behind. We do not get to take anything to the next leg of our journey, except for maybe the knowledge, experiences and memories we have accumulated; things we might say that are ingrained and have become a part of our soul.

Many have said is not what we accumulate that counts; it is what we do and the differences we make that counts. It is the people we meet and help and the experiences we have and what we become. It is not the things we have to leave behind. The only thing we take with us is that which we have become while we were here.

Challenge: Is your life living up to or meeting your expectations? Your answer is an indication of where you are. If you have low expectations, you are probably too passive. If your feel every day is an adventure and look forward to seeing what is around the next bend, you are proactively pursuing life. The old adage that today is the first day of the rest of your life says something. Take charge and make you life what you want it to be.

Wisdom: And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. Abraham Lincoln

Spiritual: (NIV)

Be strong and take heart, all you hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24

We live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Proverbs 29:25

Those believing this life is a preparation for yet another life, have an appreciation for such questions as where do we come from, why are we here, and what happens after death? Many feel a need to leave what they consider a legacy. It it things we leave behind or the differences we make that becomes our legacy? It is the good we do and the person we become that really counts. God wants us to be a good steward of our life’s opportunities.

Prayer: Help me to use the talents and abilities you have given me and to be a good steward of them.